SCREENINGS
"Back to Bucha is a snapshot of Ukraine's resilience at the most human level: lives, livelihoods, and homes being rebuilt, religious faiths of all types being tested and strengthened, families, including with children, adjusting to the new..."normal." - Alex Gamota, President, Bear Witness
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Back to Bucha Premiered in Boston on Sunday April 30, 2023
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Steve Richards and friends at the Trek to Bucha premiere at Viktoria Park Hotel in Bucha, February 5, 2023
Screen Back to Bucha for Your Group
We are currently booking screening dates beginning in late April 2023. All screenings are hosted by the film's Director Steve Richards. Screenings can take place at churches, community centers, film festivals, universities and partner sponsored events. So, if you have a group that wants to be entertained, informed, and inspired – we'd love to welcome you to the tour!
These are donation driven events. Which means that while there is no charge to attend, we do welcome donations to cover our costs for the events and the film. We also share half of a screening's net proceeds (after food, travel, venue costs, etc.) with foundations and charities that support Ukraine like Ukraine Forward, and Bear Witness. So, everyone that donates supports the film and Ukraine directly! And the film's interviewees largely speak English making it ideal for Western audiences.
We are currently booking screening dates beginning in late April 2023. All screenings are hosted by the film's Director Steve Richards. Screenings can take place at churches, community centers, film festivals, universities and partner sponsored events. So, if you have a group that wants to be entertained, informed, and inspired – we'd love to welcome you to the tour!
These are donation driven events. Which means that while there is no charge to attend, we do welcome donations to cover our costs for the events and the film. We also share half of a screening's net proceeds (after food, travel, venue costs, etc.) with foundations and charities that support Ukraine like Ukraine Forward, and Bear Witness. So, everyone that donates supports the film and Ukraine directly! And the film's interviewees largely speak English making it ideal for Western audiences.
How it Works
What’s required of your group? Basically, just screening facilities (for in-person events), and promotional assistance. Refreshments are optional. Don’t have a screen? A/V equipment can be arranged. So, make it an event and invite the broader community. Here’s all that’s necessary:
Virtual Guests from Ukraine
We are very fortunate to be able to offer the participation of some of the film's "stars" virtually from Ukraine if the screenings are held early enough in the day (Kyiv is six hours ahead). This includes clergy, mothers, students, and others from the film which you get a glimpse of in the trailer.
Virtual Screenings
We love events in person but it's not always practical to bring a large group together. It can also be more economical and time efficient to screen the film virtually. So, we will also be holding virtual screenings, complete with Q&A, online fundraising, and optional livestreams of the event. The option is yours, in person or online!
What’s required of your group? Basically, just screening facilities (for in-person events), and promotional assistance. Refreshments are optional. Don’t have a screen? A/V equipment can be arranged. So, make it an event and invite the broader community. Here’s all that’s necessary:
- Set a date
- Print invites and post on social media
- Send a few emails
- Have a great event!
- 50% of net proceeds go to a Ukrainian support organization you choose.
Virtual Guests from Ukraine
We are very fortunate to be able to offer the participation of some of the film's "stars" virtually from Ukraine if the screenings are held early enough in the day (Kyiv is six hours ahead). This includes clergy, mothers, students, and others from the film which you get a glimpse of in the trailer.
Virtual Screenings
We love events in person but it's not always practical to bring a large group together. It can also be more economical and time efficient to screen the film virtually. So, we will also be holding virtual screenings, complete with Q&A, online fundraising, and optional livestreams of the event. The option is yours, in person or online!
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Trailer
Check out the trailer by clicking here! |
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What we see in the film...
Like the USA Ukraine is a largely Christian nation (Ukrainian Orthodox mostly with a large segment of Ukrainian Greek Catholics), though all the major religions are represented (President Zelensky is Jewish, for instance). Unlike the USA there are relatively few Protestants, though I did find a Charismatic church forced online by the war, a Lutheran church with a lady pastor in Kyiv, even a Presbyterian minister from Dallas leading a Reformed congregation in Lviv!
All in all though Ukrainian Christians see the world very much in unity when it comes to the war. The Ukrainian Orthodox community has broken with the Russian Orthodox church. Ukraine is an ecumenical laboratory as described to me by Father Roman Nebozhuk, a priest at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Kyiv. We get a glimpse of him in the trailer where we also meet his daughter Andriana who gives us a tour of a Kyiv Kindergarten and its bomb shelter.
Ukraine is a nation much like the USA in terms of the practical nature of Christendom that thrives there. Like the USA most were raised Christian. Also, like Americans most don’t go to church regularly though many do. I definitely attended some packed services while I was there.
What I was most struck by were the moms I encountered talking about God and how He is looking out for them. Women are the biggest difference between now and last Spring. They are back. Why? Because they want to raise their kids in their own homes in their own country. It is safe enough except for those on the front lines, notwithstanding the ongoing missile attacks. Children go to school; grocery stores are stocked; shops are open. You can see a movie, get your hair done, and go to restaurants. Rebuilding has begun – especially noticeable in Bucha.
All in all, Back to Bucha is a hopeful and inspiring film that provides an insight into the Christians and broader spirituality of its citizens with the backdrop of the ongoing war's realities.
For more go to the Director's Statement by clicking here.
Like the USA Ukraine is a largely Christian nation (Ukrainian Orthodox mostly with a large segment of Ukrainian Greek Catholics), though all the major religions are represented (President Zelensky is Jewish, for instance). Unlike the USA there are relatively few Protestants, though I did find a Charismatic church forced online by the war, a Lutheran church with a lady pastor in Kyiv, even a Presbyterian minister from Dallas leading a Reformed congregation in Lviv!
All in all though Ukrainian Christians see the world very much in unity when it comes to the war. The Ukrainian Orthodox community has broken with the Russian Orthodox church. Ukraine is an ecumenical laboratory as described to me by Father Roman Nebozhuk, a priest at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Kyiv. We get a glimpse of him in the trailer where we also meet his daughter Andriana who gives us a tour of a Kyiv Kindergarten and its bomb shelter.
Ukraine is a nation much like the USA in terms of the practical nature of Christendom that thrives there. Like the USA most were raised Christian. Also, like Americans most don’t go to church regularly though many do. I definitely attended some packed services while I was there.
What I was most struck by were the moms I encountered talking about God and how He is looking out for them. Women are the biggest difference between now and last Spring. They are back. Why? Because they want to raise their kids in their own homes in their own country. It is safe enough except for those on the front lines, notwithstanding the ongoing missile attacks. Children go to school; grocery stores are stocked; shops are open. You can see a movie, get your hair done, and go to restaurants. Rebuilding has begun – especially noticeable in Bucha.
All in all, Back to Bucha is a hopeful and inspiring film that provides an insight into the Christians and broader spirituality of its citizens with the backdrop of the ongoing war's realities.
For more go to the Director's Statement by clicking here.
Our Partners
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Ukrainian Catholic University
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In every human Breast, God has implanted a Principle, which we call Love of Freedom; it is impatient of Oppression, and pants for Deliverance. - Phillis Wheatley - 1774